E3 2016: Astro unveils new iteration of the A50's

I reviewed the original Astro A50's a few years ago and loved them and they are still the headphones I use today on my main gaming rig which is why I'm a bit excited about the new iteration of the headphones that Astro revealed today.

The headset looks largely the same but that hides some tweaks Astro has made to the audio mix and some enhancements to the unit to allow it to be modded. The biggest change is that Astro has a new base station with magnetic charging contacts which will make charging the unit that much easier (previously you had to wire it up which is not nearly as elegant).

Other tweaks include a bit more range than the original unit as well as better battery life. The units will go on sale later this summer for $300.

SAN FRANCISCO – June 10, 2016 – ASTRO Gaming, the leader in premium video gaming equipment, announces an updated version of its critically acclaimed and best-selling ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset. The ASTRO A50 is a professionally tuned, multi-purpose headset delivering wireless, audiophile-level performance for gaming, movies, and music. Originally introduced in 2012, the new and improvedASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset offers a host of enhanced capabilities and functionality, including updated features and refined audio characteristics.

“For the development of the new A50, we took everything we learned from last year’s A40 TR launch and applied it to the new A50,” said Aron Drayer, VP of Marketing for ASTRO Gaming. “These two products now share the same all-digital platform, allowing the A50 to utilize ASTRO’s Command Center software for adjustment of every input and output, along with the creation of custom EQ profiles.”

Battery Life and Auto Power– Play for extended periods with more than 15 hours of battery life. The new Auto On/Off conserves battery life when not in use and awakes from Sleep mode once the unit is picked up.

Built-In MixAmp™– Take complete control of your audio with ASTRO’s integrated MixAmp™ technology. This all-digital solution provides advanced customization of all inputs and outputs. ASTRO’s MixAmp allows adjustment of audio levels such as Master Volume and Game:Voice Balancing for the optimal mix.

Custom EQ Modes – Three EQ modes presets are available. These include ASTRO (tuned with precise bass for general gaming), PRO (tuned for precise mid and high detail for streaming and pro gaming) and STUDIO (neutral for accuracy and best for movies and music). Users can create, customize, save, and share EQ profiles to suite any listening experience or environment.

ASTRO A50 Mod Kit Compatible – Upgrade the ASTRO A50 headset with the optional ASTRO A50 Mod Kit for improved comfort, style, and noise isolation. The A50 Mod Kit includes a leather headband and leather ear cushions that can be conveniently swapped with the original cushions and headband for additional noise-cancellation and comfort.

The updated ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset will be priced at $300 (US) and made available directly from ASTRO Gaming and major participating retailers later this summer. Additional details about product availability will be announced at a later date. Customers can get more information and sign-up for email notification for the ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset today by visiting http://astro.gg/A50-B

About ASTRO GamingASTRO Gaming creates premium video gaming equipment and lifestyle products for professional gamers, leagues and gaming enthusiasts. ASTRO Gaming was spun-off from design powerhouse ASTRO Studios, known in the gaming world for designing the Xbox 360®, along with Alienware™ and HP® Gaming PCs. ASTRO Gaming produces a line of gamer-centric "tech-life" products that support this rapidly growing community. All ASTRO Gaming products are available at www.astrogaming.com,www.astrogaming.co.uk, www.astrogaming.de, and www.astrogaming.fr